Image reading apparatus and image-forming apparatus incorporating the image-reading apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image-reading apparatus for reading an image formed on a document, comprises an automatic document feeder; a dynamic-document reading section; a static-document reading section; a document-covering member; a light source mechanism for irradiating an exposing light onto the document at either the dynamic-document reading section or the static-document reading section; an image-capturing element; and a controller.  
     The automatic document feeder is opened with regard to the dynamic-document reading section. When the automatic document feeder is opened with regard to the dynamic-document reading section and the document is put stationary on the static-document reading section to read the image formed on the document, the controller controls the light source mechanism so that substantially none of the exposing light emitted from the light source mechanism leak outside through the dynamic-document reading section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an image-forming apparatusincorporating both a static-document reading section and adynamic-document reading section, and specifically relates to animage-reading apparatus which can prevent a leakage of exposing lightemitted from a reading lamp when opening an automatic document feeder ofthe dynamic-document reading section, and an image-forming apparatusincorporating the image-reading apparatus.

[0002] The image-reading apparatus, serving as an independent scanner orincorporated in a facsimile, a copier, etc., has been used for readingan image formed on a document, such as a paper, a film, etc., to outputelectronic signals of the image. Image-reading apparatus having animage-reading mechanism, in which exposing light are irradiated onto thedocument to read the image by detecting light reflected from theobjective image, have been widely proliferated in the market. In theindependent scanner, the digital data read from the image are stored, tomake it possible to edit or reuse them, while in the copier, areproduced image is formed on a new paper, film, etc., based on thedigital data read from the image.

[0003] Now, the image-reading apparatus will be detailed in thefollowing, referring to an exemplified copier equipped with an automaticdocument reading mechanism.

[0004] The copier, equipped with the automatic document readingmechanism, comprises a static-document reading section in which animage-reading section, moving under the platen glass, reads an imagefrom the document put stationary on a platen glass; an automaticdocument feeder for feeding the document; and a dynamic-document readingsection in which the image-reading section, stopped at a fixed position,reads the image from the document being fed to the fixed position by theautomatic document feeder.

[0005] When making a copy with the automatic document reading mechanism,the document is set on the automatic document feeder to read thedocument while automatically feeding the document. On the other hand,when making a copy with the static-document reading section, thedocument is set on the platen glass, and a platen cover, serving as apressing means, is covered on the document to fix the document. It hasbeen inconvenient, however, for the user to operate the abovementionedcopier, since the platen cover and the automatic document feeder of thedynamic-document reading section are integrated into one body, resultingin the heavy weight of the platen cover. In addition, since the useropens and shuts the automatic document feeder of the dynamic-documentreading section every time when putting the document on the platen glassand covering the platen cover, the shocks incurred on the automaticdocument feeder could cause malfunctions of the automatic documentfeeder.

[0006] To overcome the abovementioned drawback, it has been consideredanother structure of the copier, in which the platen cover is separatedfrom the automatic document feeder of the dynamic-document readingsection, so that, when making a copy from the document put on the platenglass, the user can operate the platen cover only, separately from theautomatic document feeder, to push the document on the platen glass.

[0007] There have been the following problems, however, in theabovementioned copier in which the platen cover and the dynamic-documentreading section can be separately operated.

[0008] Namely, in the dynamic-document reading section, the automaticdocument feeder for feeding the document and the light source mechanismfor irradiating light to read the document are opposed each other with adocument reading window located between them, and the document readingwindow is formed in the vicinity of the platen glass of thestatic-document reading section. Accordingly, when reading the documentwith the static-document reading section, sometimes, the light of thelamp, disposed in the light source mechanism for reading the document,leaks outside through the document reading window.

[0009] In such cases, various inconveniences have happened in suchmanners that, for instance, the wall or surroundings are abruptlyilluminated with unnecessary light leaked from the lamp, or very stronglight beams of the lamp abruptly penetrate into eyes of the operator ora person near the copier, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] To overcome the abovementioned drawbacks in conventionalimage-reading apparatus, it is an object of the present invention toprovide an image-reading apparatus, which makes it possible to preventleakage of unnecessary light through a window of a dynamic-documentreading section.

[0011] Accordingly, to overcome the cited shortcomings, theabovementioned object of the present invention can be attained byimage-reading apparatus and image-forming apparatus described as follow.

[0012] (1) An image-reading apparatus for reading an image formed on adocument, comprising: an automatic document feeder for automaticallyfeeding the document; a dynamic-document reading section for reading theimage while the automatic document feeder is feeding the document; astatic-document reading section for reading the image while the documentis put stationary on the static-document reading section; adocument-covering member for covering and pushing the document onto thestatic-document reading section, the document-covering member beingcapable of opening and shutting with regard to the static-documentreading section when the automatic document feeder is opened with regardto the dynamic-document reading section; a light source mechanism forirradiating an exposing light onto the document at either thedynamic-document reading section or the static-document reading section,the light source mechanism being stationary under the dynamic-documentreading section to irradiate the exposing light onto the document, beingmoved by the automatic document feeder, through the dynamic-documentreading section, or the light source mechanism moving under thestatic-document reading section to scan the document by irradiating theexposing light through the static-document reading section; animage-capturing element for receiving a light reflected from thedocument to convert the image into electronic signals; and a controllerfor controlling moving and light-emitting actions of the light sourcemechanism; wherein, when the automatic document feeder is opened withregard to the dynamic-document reading section and the document is putstationary on the static-document reading section to read the imageformed on the document, the controller controls the light sourcemechanism so that substantially none of the exposing light emitted fromthe light source mechanism leaks outside through the dynamic-documentreading section.

[0013] In the present invention, with regard to the condition of thesentence “substantially none of the exposing light leaks outside”, itmay be most preferable to be a condition that the light perfectly doesnot leaks outside. However, it may be include a condition that weaklight slightly leaks outside. More concretely, in the slightly leakingcondition, on the condition that the automatic document feeder isopened, when an image on a document placed on the static-documentreading section is read, the luminous intensity measured through thedynamic-document reading section is not higher than 5000 (lx),preferably is not higher than 1000 (lx).

[0014] (2) The image-reading apparatus of item 1, wherein, when thedocument is put stationary on the static-document reading section toread the image formed on the document, the light source mechanism movesto the static-document reading section from the dynamic-document readingsection, and the controller controls a timing to start emitting theexposing light from the light source mechanism so that substantiallynone of the exposing light emitted from the light source mechanism leakoutside through the dynamic-document reading section.

[0015] (3) The image-reading apparatus of item 2, wherein, either whenthe light source mechanism moves a predetermined distance toward thestatic-document reading section from a start position located at thedynamic-document reading section, or when a predetermined time haselapsed after the light source mechanism starts moving toward thestatic-document reading section, the controller activates the lightsource mechanism to emit the exposing light.

[0016] (4) The image-reading apparatus of item 3, wherein the controllerchanges a value of the predetermined distance or the predetermined time,corresponding to a moving velocity of the light source mechanism, thestart position of the light source mechanism or a reading magnificationratio.

[0017] (5) The image-reading apparatus of item 2, further comprising: alight-source position detector, disposed at a predetermined position,for detecting the light source mechanism in midcourse of moving; whereinthe controller controls the light-emitting actions of the light sourcemechanism based on detected results of the light-source positiondetector.

[0018] (6) The image-reading apparatus of item 5, wherein thepredetermined position is equivalent to a detecting position at whichthe light-source position detector detects the light source mechanism inmidcourse of moving between the dynamic-document reading section and thestatic-document reading section.

[0019] (7) An image-forming apparatus comprising the image-readingapparatus of item 1, wherein the image-forming apparatus forms an imageon a recording material, based on image data generated by theimage-reading apparatus.

[0020] (8) An image-reading apparatus for reading an image formed on adocument, comprising: an automatic document feeder for automaticallyfeeding the document; a dynamic-document reading section for reading theimage while the automatic document feeder is feeding the document; astatic-document reading section for reading the image while the documentis put stationary on the static-document reading section; adocument-covering member for covering and pushing the document onto thestatic-document reading section, the document-covering member beingcapable of opening and shutting with regard to the static-documentreading section when the automatic document feeder is opened with regardto the dynamic-document reading section; a light source mechanism forirradiating an exposing light onto the document at either thedynamic-document reading section or the static-document reading section,the light source mechanism being stationary under the dynamic-documentreading section to irradiate the exposing light onto the document, beingmoved by the automatic document feeder, through the dynamic-documentreading section, or the light source mechanism moving under thestatic-document reading section to scan the document by irradiating theexposing light through the static-document reading section; animage-capturing element for receiving a light reflected from thedocument to convert the image into electronic signals; and a shuttermember being movable between a shading position, at which the shuttermember shades the exposing light emitted from the light sourcemechanism, and a non-shading position, at which the shutter member doesnot shade the exposing light emitted from the light source mechanism;wherein, when the document is moved by the automatic document feeder atthe dynamic-document reading section to read the image formed on thedocument, the shutter member is positioned at the non-shading position,while when the document is put stationary on the static-document readingsection to read the image formed on the document, the shutter member ispositioned at the shading position.

[0021] (9) The image-reading apparatus of item 8, wherein the shuttermember is movable in conjunction with moving actions of the light sourcemechanism.

[0022] (10) The image-reading apparatus of item 9, wherein the shuttermember is urged to the shading position by an elastic member, and thelight source mechanism moves the shutter member to the non-shadingposition in conjunction with its moving action from the static-documentreading section to the dynamic-document reading section, while opposingto a urging force generated by the elastic member.

[0023] (11) The image-reading apparatus of item 8, wherein the shuttermember comprises a cleaning member for cleaning the dynamic-documentreading section while moving with the shutter member.

[0024] (12) The image-reading apparatus of item 8, wherein the shuttermember is disposed at a side of the dynamic-document reading sectionopposite to another side above which the automatic document feeder isarranged.

[0025] (13) An image-forming apparatus comprising the image-readingapparatus of item 8, wherein the image-forming apparatus forms an imageon a recording material, based on image data generated by theimage-reading apparatus.

[0026] (14) An image-reading apparatus for reading an image formed on adocument, comprising: an automatic document feeder for automaticallyfeeding the document; a dynamic-document reading section for reading theimage while the automatic document feeder is feeding the document; astatic-document reading section for reading the image while the documentis put stationary on the static-document reading section; adocument-covering member for covering and pushing the document onto thestatic-document reading section, the document-covering member beingcapable of opening and shutting with regard to the static-documentreading section when the automatic document feeder is opened with regardto the dynamic-document reading section; a light source mechanism forirradiating an exposing light onto the document at either thedynamic-document reading section or the static-document reading section,the light source mechanism being stationary under the dynamic-documentreading section to irradiate the exposing light onto the document, beingmoved by the automatic document feeder, through the dynamic-documentreading section, or the light source mechanism moving under thestatic-document reading section to scan the document by irradiating theexposing light through the static-document reading section; and animage-capturing element for receiving a light reflected from thedocument to convert the image into electronic signals; wherein theexposing light, emitted from the light source mechanism, exhibits amaximum intensity in a direction oriented to the static-document readingsection from the dynamic-document reading section.

[0027] (15) The image-reading apparatus of item 14, wherein the lightsource mechanism comprises either a xenon lamp having directivity, or ahalogen lamp with a reflector for exhibiting directivity.

[0028] (16) An image-forming apparatus comprising the image-readingapparatus of item 14, wherein the image-forming apparatus forms an imageon a recording material, based on image data generated by theimage-reading apparatus.

[0029] (17) An image-reading apparatus for reading an image formed on adocument, comprising: an automatic document feeder for automaticallyfeeding the document; a dynamic-document reading section for reading theimage while the automatic document feeder is feeding the document; astatic-document reading section for reading the image while the documentis put stationary on the static-document reading section; adocument-covering member for covering and pushing the document onto thestatic-document reading section, the document-covering member beingcapable of opening and shutting with regard to the static-documentreading section when the automatic document feeder is opened with regardto the dynamic-document reading section; a light source mechanism forirradiating an exposing light onto the document at either thedynamic-document reading section or the static-document reading section,the light source mechanism being stationary under the dynamic-documentreading section to irradiate the exposing light onto the document, beingmoved by the automatic document feeder, through the dynamic-documentreading section, or the light source mechanism moving under thestatic-document reading section to scan the document by irradiating theexposing light through the static-document reading section; animage-capturing element for receiving a light reflected from thedocument to convert the image into image data; a reference board forreflecting the exposing light, so that the image-capturing elementconverts a light reflected from the reference board into compensationdata utilized for a shading compensation operation; and a shadingcompensating section for applying the shading compensation operation tothe image data converted by the image-capturing element, based on thecompensation data converted by the image-capturing element; wherein thereference board is disposed between the dynamic-document reading sectionand the static-document reading section.

[0030] (18) An image-forming apparatus comprising the image-readingapparatus of item 17, wherein the image-forming apparatus forms an imageon a recording material, based on the image data generated by theimage-reading apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following detailed description and uponreference to the drawings in which:

[0032]FIG. 1 shows a time-chart of a reading operation, indicating timesfor activating a lamp;

[0033]FIG. 2 shows a time-chart of a reading operation, indicating timesfor activating a lamp;

[0034]FIG. 3 shows another example of image-reading apparatus;

[0035]FIG. 4 shows another example of lamps;

[0036]FIG. 5 shows another example of image-reading apparatus;

[0037]FIG. 6 shows another example of image-reading apparatus; and

[0038]FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a copier, including animage-reading apparatus embodied in the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] The image-reading apparatus, embodied in the present invention,will be detailed in the following, referring to the drawings.

[0040]FIG. 7 shows a structural block-diagram of copier 100 (theimage-forming apparatus) equipped with image-reading apparatus 2.

[0041] Copier 100 comprises image-reading apparatus 2, image-formingsection 24, paper-feeding section 26, fixing section 28 andpaper-delivery section 30. Image-forming section 24 comprisesphotoreceptor drum 40, toner-supplying section 42, etc. A requiredlatent image is formed on photoreceptor drum 40 by exposing device 44,and then, the toner image is formed on a sheet, conveyed frompaper-feeding section 26, by developing the latent image with toner. Thetoner image on the sheet is fixed by fixing section 28, and then, thesheet is delivered outside from paper-delivery section 30.

[0042] Image-forming apparatus 2, which is equipped on the upper sectionof copier 100, comprises static-document reading section 4 for readingthe document put stationary, dynamic-document reading section 5 forreading the document while moving the document. Static-document readingsection 4 comprises platen glass 6 for putting the document on it, lightsource mechanism 8 for irradiating the exposing light onto the imagefrom the downside of platen glass 6, and platen cover 10 for pushing thedocument onto platen glass 6 from the upper-side of platen glass 6.

[0043] Light source mechanism 8, comprising reading lamp 12 and mirrors14, moves along the longitudinal direction of platen glass 6 to transmitthe light reflected from the document to optoelectronic-convertingdevice 16, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), etc., for reading theimage on the document. Then, optoelectronic-converting device 16converts the reflected light including the image information toelectronic signals, which are further transmitted to image-formingsection 24, etc., through controlling section 22. Sensor 18, serving asa light source position detecting means for detecting light sourcemechanism 8, is disposed at such a position that, when sensor 48 detectslight source mechanism 8, the exposing light emitted from reading lamp12 does not leak outside from window 9 even if lamp 12 is activated.Incidentally, although it is most desirable that the exposing light doesnot at all leak outside, it is allowable that a small amount of weaklight leaks outside, since such a weak light does not harm human eyes somuch, even if a weak light enters into operator's eyes. In this case, itis possible to make window 9 approach platen glass 6, resulting in aminimization of the apparatus. Further, concretely speaking, sensor 18is disposed at such a position that an illumination intensity measuredthrough window 9 is lower than 5000 lx (desirably, lower than 1000 lx),when reading the image of the document put stationary on platen glass 6in the state of opening automatic document feeder 7 upward.

[0044] Dynamic-document reading section 5 is equivalent to window 9 madeof a light transparent material, such as a glass, etc. Automaticdocument feeder 7 conveys the document to the upper side of window 9,while light source mechanism 8 moves to the lower side of window 9 andstops there to read the image on the document being conveyed (beingmoved) by automatic document feeder. Incidentally, window 9 is notnecessary a transparent member made of a light transparent material,such as a glass, etc., but a simple opening would be also applicable.Further, automatic document feeder 7, being capable of opening andshutting, is attached to copier 100, separating from platen cover 10.Namely, in the present embodiment, automatic document feeder 7 andplaten cover 10 are attached to copier 100 so as to be capable ofopening and shutting independently each other. It is also applicable,however, that platen cover 10 is capable of opening and shutting withrespect to platen glass 6 in the state of opening automatic documentfeeder 7.

[0045] Next, the reading operation of image-reading apparatus 5 will bedetailed in the following.

[0046] In the first step of reading the document at dynamic-documentreading section, automatic document feeder is arranged on the uppersurface of copier 100. Then, the operator sets the document on automaticdocument feeder 7 and pushes the reading start button, etc. to commencethe reading operation. Successively, light source mechanism 8 moves tothe lower portion of automatic document feeder 7 and opposes toautomatic document feeder 7 through widow 9.

[0047] When automatic document feeder 7 drives the document into theupper surface of window 9, reading lamp 12 is activated to irradiate theexposing light onto the document, and then, the light reflected from thedocument is guided to optoelectronic converting device 16 by mirrors 14to obtain electronic signals of the image.

[0048] On the other hand, when reading the document at static-documentreading section, the operator puts the document on platen glass 6, andshuts platen cover 10 to push and fix the document onto platen glass 6.Commencing the reading operation by pushing the reading start button,etc., light source mechanism 8 moves under platen glass 6 at a constantvelocity. Then, reading lamp 12 successively irradiate the exposinglight onto the document, and the light reflected from the document isguided to optoelectronic converting device 16 by mirrors 14 to obtainelectronic signals of the image.

[0049] In the reading operation mentioned above, reading lamp 12,equipped in light source mechanism 8, is activated at such a positionthat the exposing light emitted from reading lamp 12 does not leakoutside from window 9. In other words, since sensor 18, for detectingthe position of light source mechanism 8, is disposed at a predeterminedposition in static-document reading section, when light source mechanism8 reaches the predetermined position, a detected signal, detected bysensor 18, is transmitted to controlling section 22, which activatesreading lamp 12 to irradiate the exposing light.

[0050]FIG. 1 shows a time-chart of the reading operation. As shown inFIG. 1, when the reading operation starts, light source mechanism 8starts moving (at al); a command signal for activating reading lamp 12is outputted from controlling section 22, when sensor 18 detects lightsource mechanism 8 reaching the predetermined position (at b1); andreading lamp 12 irradiates the exposing light (at c1). Since sensor 18is disposed at such a position that sensor 18 detects light sourcemechanism 8 so that the exposing light emitted from reading lamp 12 doesnot leak outside from window 9, no light leaks outside from window 9even if reading lamp 12 irradiates the exposing light at this position.

[0051] Accordingly, it becomes possible to prevent the leakage ofunnecessary light emitted from reading lamp 12 through window 9, whenreading lamp 12 is activated in static-document reading section 4.

[0052] Incidentally, although the abovementioned configuration is soconstituted that sensor 18 is disposed at the predetermined position soas to prevent the leakage of unnecessary light emitted from reading lamp12, and reading lamp 12 is activated just after sensor 8 detects lightsource mechanism 8 in midcourse of moving, it is also applicable tocontrol the timing of activating reading lamp 12. For instance, sensor18 is disposed at a further right side position in FIG. 7, andcontrolling section 22 controls the timing in such a manner that readinglamp 12 is activated at a time when a predetermined time has elapsedafter sensor 18 detects light source mechanism 8 (or when light sourcemechanism 8 moves a predetermined distance).

[0053] Concretely speaking, as shown in FIG. 2, when light sourcemechanism 8 starts moving based on a command signal outputted bycontrolling section 22 (at a2), controlling section 22 starts countingpulses generated by the motor for driving light source mechanism 8 (atb2); when a number of pulses counted by controlling section 22 reaches apredetermined number (at c2), reading light 12 is activated (at d2).Accordingly, since the moving velocity of light source mechanism 8 isset in advance, it is possible to activate reading light 12 at thepredetermined position so that the exposing light emitted from readinglamp 12 does not leak outside from window 9. Incidentally, although theabovementioned configuration is intended to prevent the leakage ofunnecessary light emitted from light source mechanism 8 through window9, it is also possible to make a configuration so as to prevent theleakage through a portion other than window 9.

[0054] Further, although the timing of activating reading lamp 12 iscontrolled, based on the position signal and the elapsed time period inthe abovementioned configuration, the operating start position sometimesdeviates from the original position, when the reading velocity, namely,the moving velocity of light source mechanism 8 varies depending onchanges of the image magnification ratio and/or the reading pitch. Insuch a case, the start position of activating reading lamp 12 and theelapsed time period are adjusted corresponding to the change of theoperating start position. This is because, for instance, when the movingvelocity of light source mechanism 8 is increased associating with thechange of the image magnification ratio, since a certain time wouldelapse until the moving velocity of light source mechanism 8 reaches apredetermined moving velocity after light source mechanism 8 startsmoving, the operating start position of light source mechanism 8 isshifted to such a position that the moving velocity of light sourcemechanism 8 reaches the predetermined moving velocity when the readingoperation of the document starts, and it is necessary to change theposition of light source mechanism 8 and the starting time of countingthe operating time in the above process. The abovementioned process isapplied not only for the change of the image magnification ratio, butalso for the change of the reading pitch in a scanner, etc. as well.

[0055] Next, another example will be detailed in the following.

[0056]FIG. 3 shows another example of image-reading apparatus 2. Asshown in FIG. 3, shutter 11, serving as a shutter means for maskingwindow 9, is equipped under window 9. Shutter 11 is slidable in ahorizontal direction and is urged by spring 13 in a direction ofshutting and masking window 9. In addition, shutter 11 equips protrusion15, which contacts light source mechanism 8 to push and move shutter 11in a direction of opening window 9, when light source mechanism 8 movesunder window 9. When light source mechanism 8 moves into static-documentreading section 4, shutter 11 urged by spring 13 shuts and masks window9 again. Further, cloth 17 is attached on shutter 11 to clean up theinner surface of window 9 every time when shutter 11 moves.

[0057] In the abovementioned configuration, when reading the document indynamic-document reading section 5, window 9 is opened by pushingshutter 11 in a direction of opening window 9 with light sourcemechanism 8 moving under window 9, and the document, conveyed byautomatic document feeder 7 (refer to FIG. 7), is read by the exposinglight emitted from light source mechanism 8. On the other hand, when thecopier is set for reading the document in static-document readingsection 4, light source mechanism 8 moves under the lower portion ofstatic-document reading section 4 and shutter 11 urged by spring 13shuts and masks window 9. Accordingly, since shutter 11 masks window 9,no light emitted from reading lamp 12 leaks outside through window 9even if the reading operation is performed in static-document readingsection 4 with activating reading lamp 12 of light source mechanism 8.Further, since the inner surface of window 9 is cleaned up by cloth 17every time when shutter 11 opens and shuts, it is possible to constantlymaintain window 9 in a clean state. Incidentally, other than a cloth, asynthetic cloth, an artificial leather and a flocked fabric material canbe also employed for the cleaning member.

[0058] Next, still another example will be detailed in the following.

[0059] In this example, reading lamp 12 having directivity, as shown inFIG. 4, is employed. It is desirable that the illumination angle of theexposing light emitted from reading lamp 12 is regulated in a range of60°—80°. A xenon-lamp, having directivity itself, can be desirablyemployed for this purpose as reading lamp 12, since it is possible toregulate its illumination angle. However, when a halogen-lamp isemployed for this purpose as reading lamp 12, it is necessary to equip areflector (also referred to as a cover) for exhibiting directivity inthe periphery of the halogen-lamp to regulate its illumination angle.Then, light source mechanism 8 is arranged in such a manner that themaximum intensity component of the exposing light (for illuminating thedocument), regulated and emitted by/from light source mechanism 8,directs to platen glass 6 from the side of window 9. Accordingly, whenreading the document put on platen glass 6, since the exposing light,emitted to the document from light source mechanism 8, directs to platenglass 6, no light leaks from window 9 even if automatic document feeder7 is opened.

[0060] A xenon lamp or a halogen lamp, etc, is employed for reading lamp12. Since the xenon lamp has a narrow and specified irradiatingdirection, it is possible to set the irradiating direction at a desireddirection by simply directing the xenon lamp to the desired direction.On the other hand, since the halogen lamp irradiates light over allcircumferential directions, it is necessary to regulate the irradiatingdirection with the reflector, etc. equipped around the halogen lamp.

[0061] Further, it is-also applicable that the reflector, etc., isrotatably equipped around reading lamp 12, so that the irradiatingdirection of reading lamp 12 can be changed between the readingoperations in dynamic-document reading section 5 and static-documentreading section 4. For instance, when reading the document indynamic-document reading section 5, the opening of the reflector directsto the left direction in the drawing, while when reading the document instatic-document reading section 4, the opening of the reflector directsto the right direction in the drawing.

[0062] In the abovementioned configuration, since the irradiatingdirection of the exposing light emitted from reading lamp 12 in thereading operation of static-document reading section 4 differs from thatin the reading operation of dynamic-document reading section 5, theexposing light is not irradiated toward dynamic-document reading section5 when reading the document in static-document reading section 4, and nolight leaks outside through window 9 of dynamic-document reading section5.

[0063] Next, still another example will be detailed in the following.

[0064] In this example shown in FIG. 5, white board 20, serving as areference board having a predetermined length and utilized for a shadingcompensation operation, is equipped between dynamic-document readingsection 5 and static-document reading section 4. White board 20 servesas a reflector for reflecting the exposing light emitted from readinglamp 12 and the sensitivity of the light receiving section (optoelectricconverting device 16) is regulated into a uniform sensitivity bychanging the sensitivities, etc. based on the reflected light receivedby the light receiving section. Incidentally, the shading compensationoperation is to compensate the unevenness of the light intensityoccurred in the longitudinal direction of reading lamp 12, and a shadingcompensating means comprises a regulating circuit (not shown in thedrawings) for regulating the sensitivity of the light receiving section,so that the light reflected from a uniform reflecting surface isreceived as a uniform luminous intensity at the light receiving section.For instance, when turning on the switch of copy start, light sourcemechanism 8 is activated under white board 20 to conduct the shadingcompensation operation before performing the coping operations.Accordingly, since the sensitivity of the light receiving section isregulated by the shading compensation operation, it is possible to readthe document in a uniform density even if the unevenness of the lightintensity exists in the longitudinal direction of reading lamp 12.

[0065] Since white board 20 has the predetermined length in the movingdirection of light source mechanism 8, a gap having the predeterminedlength is formed between dynamic-document reading section 5 andstatic-document reading section 4. Accordingly, since dynamic-documentreading section 5 and static-document reading section 4 are disposedeach other with the predetermined distance between them, even if readinglamp 12 is activated during the reading operation in static-documentreading section 4, the exposing light emitted from reading lamp 12 isnot directly irradiated to dynamic-document reading section 5, or theintensity of the light arrived there is very weak, resulting in noleakage of unnecessary light through window 9. Concretely speaking inreference to FIG. 6, when reading lamp 12 is activated after moving fromposition α to position β, some of the exposing light leaks outsidethrough window 9, while when reading lamp 12 is activated at a certainposition between position β and position γ, no light leaks outsidethrough window 9, since the incident angle for window 9 becomes smalland the distance between window 9 and reading lamp 12 becomes large.

[0066] Accordingly, white board 20, equipped between dynamic-documentreading section 5 and static-document reading section 4, not only makesit possible to regulate the unevenness of luminous intensity of readinglamp 12, but also makes it possible to prevent the leakage of lightthrough window 9.

[0067] Incidentally, although, in the abovementioned examples, copier100 is exemplified for explaining the image-forming apparatus embodiedin the present invention, the scope of the present invention is notlimited to copier 100. Needless to say that the image-reading apparatus,embodied in the present invention, can be applied for other apparatus,such as scanners, facsimiles, etc.

[0068] As described in the above, according to the present invention,even in the configuration in which the automatic document feeder of thedynamic-document reading section is separated from the platen cover forpushing the document at the static-document reading section toindependently open and shut each of them, no exposing light, emittedfrom the static-document reading section, leaks outside from thedynamic-document reading section.

[0069] disclosed embodiment can be varied by a skilled person withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image-reading apparatus for reading an imageformed on a document, comprising: an automatic document feeder forautomatically feeding said document; a dynamic-document reading sectionfor reading said image while said automatic document feeder is feedingsaid document; a static-document reading section for reading said imagewhile said document is put stationary on said static-document readingsection; a document-covering member for covering and pushing saiddocument onto said static-document reading section, saiddocument-covering member being capable of opening and shutting withregard to said static-document reading section when said automaticdocument feeder is opened with regard to said dynamic-document readingsection; a light source mechanism for irradiating an exposing light ontosaid document at either said dynamic-document reading section or saidstatic-document reading section, said light source mechanism beingstationary under said dynamic-document reading section to irradiate saidexposing light onto said document, being moved by said automaticdocument feeder, through said dynamic-document reading section, or saidlight source mechanism moving under said static-document reading sectionto scan said document by irradiating said exposing light through saidstatic-document reading section; an image-capturing element forreceiving a light reflected from said document to convert said imageinto electronic signals; and a controller for controlling moving andlight-emitting actions of said light source mechanism; wherein, whensaid automatic document feeder is opened with regard to saiddynamic-document reading section and said document is put stationary onsaid static-document reading section to read said image formed on saiddocument, said controller controls said light source mechanism so thatsubstantially none of said exposing light emitted from said light sourcemechanism leak outside through said dynamic-document reading section. 2.The image-reading apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when said document isput stationary on said static-document reading section to read saidimage formed on said document, said light source mechanism moves to saidstatic-document reading section from said dynamic-document readingsection, and said controller controls a timing to start emitting saidexposing light from said light source mechanism so that substantiallynone of said exposing light emitted from said light source mechanismleak outside through said dynamic-document reading section.
 3. Theimage-reading apparatus of claim 2, wherein, either when said lightsource mechanism moves a predetermined distance toward saidstatic-document reading section from a start position located at saiddynamic-document reading section, or when a predetermined time haselapsed after said light source mechanism starts moving toward saidstatic-document reading section, said controller activates said lightsource mechanism to emit said exposing light.
 4. The image-readingapparatus of claim 3, wherein said controller changes a value of saidpredetermined distance or said predetermined time, corresponding to amoving velocity of said light source mechanism, said start position ofsaid light source mechanism or a reading magnification ratio.
 5. Theimage-reading apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a light-sourceposition detector, disposed at a predetermined position, for detectingsaid light source mechanism in midcourse of moving; wherein saidcontroller controls said light-emitting actions of said light sourcemechanism based on detected results of said light-source positiondetector.
 6. The image-reading apparatus of claim 5, wherein saidpredetermined position is equivalent to a detecting position at whichsaid light-source position detector detects said light source mechanismin midcourse of moving between said dynamic-document reading section andsaid static-document reading section.
 7. An image-forming apparatuscomprising the image-reading apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidimage-forming apparatus forms an image on a recording material, based onimage data generated by said image-reading apparatus.
 8. Animage-reading apparatus for reading an image formed on a document,comprising: an automatic document feeder for automatically feeding saiddocument; a dynamic-document reading section for reading said imagewhile said automatic document feeder is feeding said document; astatic-document reading section for reading said image while saiddocument is put stationary on said static-document reading section; adocument-covering member for covering and pushing said document ontosaid static-document reading section, said document-covering memberbeing capable of opening and shutting with regard to saidstatic-document reading section when said automatic document feeder isopened with regard to said dynamic-document reading section; a lightsource mechanism for irradiating an exposing light onto said document ateither said dynamic-document reading section or said static-documentreading section, said light source mechanism being stationary under saiddynamic-document reading section to irradiate said exposing light ontosaid document, being moved by said automatic document feeder, throughsaid dynamic-document reading section, or said light source mechanismmoving under said static-document reading section to scan said documentby irradiating said exposing light through said static-document readingsection; an image-capturing element for receiving a light reflected fromsaid document to convert said image into electronic signals; and ashutter member being movable between a shading position, at which saidshutter member shades said exposing light emitted from said light sourcemechanism, and a non-shading position, at which said shutter member doesnot shade said exposing light emitted from said light source mechanism;wherein, when said document is moved by said automatic document feederat said dynamic-document reading section to read said image formed onsaid document, said shutter member is positioned at said non-shadingposition, while when said document is put stationary on saidstatic-document reading section to read said image formed on saiddocument, said shutter member is positioned at said shading position. 9.The image-reading apparatus of claim 8, wherein said shutter member ismovable in conjunction with moving actions of said light sourcemechanism.
 10. The image-reading apparatus of claim 9, wherein saidshutter member is urged to said shading position by an elastic member,and said light source mechanism moves said shutter member to saidnon-shading position in conjunction with its moving action from saidstatic-document reading section to said dynamic-document readingsection, while opposing to a urging force generated by said elasticmember.
 11. The image-reading apparatus of claim 8, wherein said shuttermember comprises a cleaning member for cleaning said dynamic-documentreading section while moving with said shutter member.
 12. Theimage-reading apparatus of claim 8, wherein said shutter member isdisposed at a side of said dynamic-document reading section opposite toanother side above which said automatic document feeder is arranged. 13.An image-forming apparatus comprising the image-reading apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein said image-forming apparatus forms an image on arecording material, based on image data generated by said image-readingapparatus.
 14. An image-reading apparatus for reading an image formed ona document, comprising: an automatic document feeder for automaticallyfeeding said document; a dynamic-document reading section for readingsaid image while said automatic document feeder is feeding saiddocument; a static-document reading section for reading said image whilesaid document is put stationary on said static-document reading section;a document-covering member for covering and pushing said document ontosaid static-document reading section, said document-covering memberbeing capable of opening and shutting with regard to saidstatic-document reading section when said automatic document feeder isopened with regard to said dynamic-document reading section; a lightsource mechanism for irradiating an exposing light onto said document ateither said dynamic-document reading section or said static-documentreading section, said light source mechanism being stationary under saiddynamic-document reading section to irradiate said exposing light ontosaid document, being moved by said automatic document feeder, throughsaid dynamic-document reading section, or said light source mechanismmoving under said static-document reading section to scan said documentby irradiating said exposing light through said static-document readingsection; and an image-capturing element for receiving a light reflectedfrom said document to convert said image into electronic signals;wherein said exposing light, emitted from said light source mechanism,exhibits a maximum intensity in a direction oriented to saidstatic-document reading section from said dynamic-document readingsection.
 15. The image-reading apparatus of claim 14, wherein said lightsource mechanism comprises either a xenon lamp having directivity, or ahalogen lamp with a reflector for exhibiting directivity.
 16. Animage-forming apparatus comprising the image-reading apparatus of claim14, wherein said image-forming apparatus forms an image on a recordingmaterial, based on image data generated by said image-reading apparatus.17. An image-reading apparatus for reading an image formed on adocument, comprising: an automatic document feeder for automaticallyfeeding said document; a dynamic-document reading section for readingsaid image while said automatic document feeder is feeding saiddocument; a static-document reading section for reading said image whilesaid document is put stationary on said static-document reading section;a document-covering member for covering and pushing said document ontosaid static-document reading section, said document-covering memberbeing capable of opening and shutting with regard to saidstatic-document reading section when said automatic document feeder isopened with regard to said dynamic-document reading section; a lightsource mechanism for irradiating an exposing light onto said document ateither said dynamic-document reading section or said static-documentreading section, said light source mechanism being stationary under saiddynamic-document reading section to irradiate said exposing light ontosaid document, being moved by said automatic document feeder, throughsaid dynamic-document reading section, or said light source mechanismmoving under said static-document reading section to scan said documentby irradiating said exposing light through said static-document readingsection; an image-capturing element for receiving a light reflected fromsaid document to convert said image into image data; a reference boardfor reflecting said exposing light, so that said image-capturing elementconverts a light reflected from said reference board into compensationdata utilized for a shading compensation operation; and a shadingcompensating section for applying said shading compensation operation tosaid image data converted by said image-capturing element, based on saidcompensation data converted by said image-capturing element; whereinsaid reference board is disposed between said dynamic-document readingsection and said static-document reading section.
 18. An image-formingapparatus comprising the image-reading apparatus of claim 17, whereinsaid image-forming apparatus forms an image on a recording material,based on said image data generated by said image-reading apparatus.